The meeting is part of an ongoing process of Civil Society Dialogue (CSD) on EU trade policy. This brings together in the same room Commission officials and representatives of:
• business
• consumer bodies
• trade unions and
• environmental and other interest groups.

It followed Commissioner Malmström’s announcement at her European Parliament hearing that she would step up the Commission's engagement with the widest possible range of non-governmental organisations and interest groups.

Participants had the chance to share their views in three areas:

• trade governance – how the EU develops trade policies and puts them into practice;

• transparency – what steps the Commissioner intends to take to give civil society the access necessary to scrutinise EU trade policy initiatives and hold policy-makers to account;

Commissioner Malmström welcomed thoughts, questions and suggestions from participants, which will be essential in helping her develop a successful trade agenda for the coming years.

"I look forward to discussing with civil society actors about trade issues and hearing everyone's suggestions and concerns. Engaging more with civil society is a high priority for me as Trade Commissioner."

The meeting was chaired by Mr Peter Sandler, Director for Resources, Information and Policy Coordination at the Directorate-General for Trade.